Overview & Reviews

The Mercury Mountaineer should be a respectable choice for a used midsize SUV. At its debut, it offered good space for medium-size families, decent handling, tolerable ride quality and at least some semblance of off-road capability. These qualities held steady through two generations.

Although the Mountaineer was mechanically identical to the Ford Explorer and shared its chassis and most sheet metal, Mercury attempted to differentiate it over the years by specifying more standard amenities, softer suspension tuning and all-wheel drive instead of traditional four-wheel drive. For years, those virtues placed the Mercury Mountaineer in the upper ranks of midsize SUVs. This was especially true after its 2002 redesign, which brought about a vast improvement in both ride and handling.

Despite that, the Mountaineer was outclassed in more recent years by newer crossover SUVs such as the Acura MDX and Buick Enclave. These vehicles typically offer better on-road handling and roomier interiors to boot. They don't have as much towing capacity as the Mercury, though, so the Mountaineer still deserves consideration for those used SUV shoppers with more demanding needs.

Most Recent Mercury Mountaineer
Sold from 2002-'10, the second-generation Mountaineer was greatly refined in terms of luxury and performance. A wider stance and an independent rear suspension improved both handling and ride, while a new 4.6-liter V8 provided ample power with smoother operation. The cabin offered a few new perks as well, such as optional power-adjustable pedals and a third-row seat.

Buyers could choose between a 210-horsepower V6 or the new V8. The V8 versions sold through '05 made 240 hp and came with a five-speed automatic. We would recommend a 2006 or later version, as that year the V8 got a power boost to 292 hp along with a six-speed automatic, improving both performance and, to a lesser degree, fuel economy. The Mountaineer's safety quotient rose in 2004 when Mercury added stability control as an option, and again the following year when it was made standard and packaged with Roll Stability Control. Standard side curtain airbags completed the picture for 2006 -- in previous years, they were optional so it's a good idea to make sure an individual Mountaineer has them. Microsoft's Sync system was added to the options list in mid-2008 and became standard on the Premier for 2009. The following year would be the Mountaineer's last, as the Mercury brand would be phased out during 2011.

This Mountaineer was available in five- and seven-passenger versions and with a choice of either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The trim levels were typically topped by the Premier, which provided leather upholstery, heated seats, rear parking sensors and the Sync voice-activated multimedia integration system. Main options included a rear entertainment system and a navigation system. One could also opt for second-row captain's chairs, which dropped passenger capacity to six.

In reviews, we found that the Mountaineer had a smooth and composed ride and respectable handling, due in no small part to the SUV's independent rear suspension. The latter was an important upgrade from the first model's live rear axle. This Mercury also has strengths as a people hauler, partly thanks to its fold-flat third-row seat that ranked among the roomiest of traditional midsize SUVs. Downsides include weak acceleration with the V6 engine and a dated dashboard design.

Past Mercury Mountaineer Models
The first-generation Mountaineer debuted for 1997 as the uptown cousin to the then-second generation Ford Explorer. The Mountaineer was initially unique for only coming with Ford's 4.9-liter pushrod V8, the famous "5.0" Mustang motor whose gas-guzzling habits were downright offensive. Things improved the following year when Mercury received the better of the Explorer's two V6s -- a 210-hp 4.0-liter -- as its standard engine. Initially, buyers had a choice between 2WD and AWD, but in '98, Mercury added a third option, a dual-range 4WD system.

The Mercury Mountaineer's trucklike suspension gave it a bouncy ride typical of the era, and although acceleration was adequate, neither engine was especially powerful or refined. Also, the Ford Explorer-Firestone controversy regarding tire tread separation and increased rollover risk applied equally to the Mountaineer. In the highly unlikely event you encounter a first-gen Mountaineer still wearing its original Firestone tires, you'll want to upgrade to better rubber immediately. The notable changes through this generation's run include the availability of automatic rear load leveling suspension and rear park assist for 1999, and a child seat tether/anchor system for 2001.

In its favor, the original Mercury Mountaineer's seating comfort and cargo room were always competitive, and its repair record stands above GM's or Jeep's entries. Overall, we'd say that if your budget limits you to a midsize SUV from the late '90s, the Mercury Mountaineer is a decent choice.

User Reviews:

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  Love to drive - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By moe45 - May 24 - 3:46 am

  This vehicle is a great step forward for the American car manufacturer. The drive is superb, confort and handling are outstanding. Its very easy to forget you are driving a "truck" as the drive feels like a luxury car. The V8 engine gives you very smooth power throughout all the six gears of the automatic transmission. The rear "power" 6th and 7th passenger seats are comfortable for an average size adult. My wife, 52", loves the adjustable foot pedal which allow her to drive at a safe distance from the steering wheel. The interior is very nicely appointed with a modern clean but yet luxurious look and feel. It all works, no rattles, no squeaks, no interior parts falling off, "great"

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  Missy - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MissyGaff - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Experience so far is excellent, great ride, love having the radio and heat controls on the steering wheel.

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  99 Mountaineer - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jas2 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall excellent vehicle. I experienced a minor irritant with the top interior front door moldings. The passenger side clip broke a couple years ago, and I periodically have to re-secure it. The privacy screen objected when my dachshund climbed on it when it was deployed--but who would expect it not to? My husband got it to work again, but the retractor spring is weak.

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  2nd mountaineer - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mike - May 15 - 5:00 am

  Traded a 97 mountaineer in for this one, as much due to the incentives offered as anything else. Have had a couple of issues with the transmission that have been handled under warrantee (slipping and noise), took 4 visits to get the work completed. Flaw in the paint on the roof, a purple color, that is under the clear coat. Dealer offered NO solution, short of disassembly of the entire ceiling interior and removal of the sunroof so the roof could be repainted. Body shop manager said personally she would NOT do this. Purple paint is still there.

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  A Lemons Lemon - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mfultz - April 13 - 2:46 am

  I really tried to buy American when I bought this Mountaineer with only 38,00 miles on it in 2004. Now at 90,000 miles I have had to replace the transmission and not the rear end is failing. I have a Toyota Tundra and a Honda they have 106,000 miles and 170, miles on them respectively. I have NEVER replace a transmission or differential on either one. I just think I should have gotten more service out of this Mountaineer; after all, I thought American car manufacturers PROMISED to build better products. The promised has truly been broken, just like my pocketbook. NO MORE AMERICAN vehicles for me, and thats a promise.

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  A Great SUV - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bill75 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Explorer, Highlander, Murano, and Pilot. None of them came close to the Mountaineer for comfort and value for the money. The vehicle had more driver leg room than any other vehicle I tested. It handles well for a vehicle of its size. Excellent visibility. V6 power acceptable

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  marvelous machine - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Richard Barone - April 7 - 10:53 pm

  I was concerned abou the upgrade from the 1997 Mountaineer to the 2004 version as the size was larger and my initial reaction was that it was a moving living room. Quickly i realized the comfort, safety ease of handling and feel in love with this marvelous machine

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  Did they say we bought an Escalade? - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Astrophel M. Tejada - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We have the children quiet on long trips. Turn on the DVD..... It looks so stately with the pearl white color on it. It feels so strong and powerful!

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  ok - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By gp - April 2 - 10:00 am

  We like the vehicle a lot so far. I wish the interior was more metal and less plastic. The plastic is cheap looking after it starts to wear a little bit.

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  Major Defect - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By DMont - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Beware of KNOWN rear axle defect in the 03. A mth after purchase, I heard humming from the rear. took it back to John Eagle. informed by serv mgr that there existed a known defect w/ rear axle. Ford had to replace the entire rear end of my SUV. In April 04, my wife was driving the car in the HOV lane when the rear axel locked up. The vehicle began to skid and black smoke was coming out of the vehicle. Thru the grace of God my wife maneuvered the vehicle without having a rear-end collision. In the vehicle w/ my wife was my two boys (3 and 1 mth) and mother-in-law. BEWARE! Fords not telling purchasers of this KNOWN defect.